MAFALCA V
Protected Area
Oostpunt
Why dive here
With 82+ marine species recorded in the area - including orcas, sea turtles, whale sharks, frogfish and lionfish - MAFALCA V offers some of Aruba Leeward Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest September, October, November.
The Mafalca V, a barge scuttled back in '68, sits upright at 40 metres. This isn’t a gentle drift dive; you’ll need to be comfortable with depth and confident in your buoyancy. We love it because it's genuinely atmospheric down there. The light filters down, diffuse and blue, illuminating the skeletal structure of the wreck. What we really appreciate about the Mafalca is how the ocean has completely taken over. It's not just a steel hulk; it's a living reef. Schools of bigeye jacks swirl around the mast, and we’ve often seen green morays peeking from crevices. Exploring the open hold is a highlight, though penetration isn't really the point here. We’d suggest focusing on the exterior and the surrounding sandy bottom where we’ve spotted garden eels swaying in the mild current. Our pick for timing is morning, before the thermocline settles too low and visibility starts to get a bit hazy. It's a proper deep dive, so plan your gas carefully and enjoy the tranquility.
Typical MAFALCA V Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (40m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to MAFALCA V
Dive shops near MAFALCA V
JADS Dive Center
Aruba Watersafety Institute
Nautilus Dive Center Aruba
Fly and Dive
Aqua Windies
Reviews for MAFALCA V
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MAFALCA V
MAFALCA V Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for MAFALCA V, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (12.42, -70.08) (19km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
30°C
86°F · Range: 28.3–31.4°C
Air Temperature
29°C
84°F
Wind Speed
7.31 m/s
14.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1010.2 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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